Test Bulls Copperhead 3: The Bulls Copperhead 3 has been one of the best-selling mountain bikes in the world for years. No wonder: the ZEG dealer offers an authentic introduction to the hobby of mountain biking for as little as 999 euros. But what can a 999 euro bike really do? We picked the Bulls Copperhead 3 to show you what a hardtail can do in this price range.
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - The Framework
The spontaneous impression from the box was already the first surprise. Does this bike really only cost 999 euros? Instinctively, the Bulls Copperhead 3 made a lot more and if someone had said it costs 1400 euros, nobody would have been surprised. The bike is available in four color variants; in the test we had the blue-grey variant with bright yellow-green accents. The coloring is simple but striking at the same time and makes the Bulls Copperhead 3 look high-quality and by no means cheap.
The frame itself and the workmanship also make a very valuable impression. The frame tubes are beautifully designed by hydroforming and give the Bulls Copperhead 3 a modern look. The weld seams appear clean and the paintwork also proves to be robust in the test. The frame is designed for 27,5-inch wheels, but is also available as a 29-inch version in the Bulls range. The rear end offers space for thicker tires as an option. With the 2,1″ wide Racing Ralph mounted, it is clear to see that there would still be plenty of room for a wider tire. The trains are laid discreetly in the frame, which is not a matter of course in this class. The head tube is tapered, which offers the best compromise between stiffness and weight. The brake mount at the rear was also solved nicely. Overall, the frame of the Bulls Copperhead 3 offers above-average performance for the price range.
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - Geometry
The geometry of the Copperhead 3 finds a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. The seat angle is steep enough to climb challenging ramps. The steering angle feels a bit slacker than on other entry-level bikes. This gives security when going downhill and helps the rider on steep descents. Due to the 27,5 inch wheels, the chain stays are very short and make the Bulls Copperhead 3 pleasantly manoeuvrable.
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - Features
A good frame and the geometry fits too. What other features do you get with the Bulls Copperhead 3 for 999 euros? A look at the equipment list is definitely promising. Triple cranks have almost become a rarity. A Shimano 3-speed crank in combination with a 3-speed Shimano XT rear derailleur is installed on the Copperhead 3, offering a very large range of gear ratios for beginners. The switching processes are carried out by Deore shift levers on the handlebars.
No savings were made on the brakes either. Magura uses the entry-level model in their high-quality disc brake collection on the Bulls. The Magura MT2 does not have to hide from its expensive sisters in terms of function and represents a reliable and strong brake for the Copperhead 3. In addition, 180 mm brake discs were installed at the rear and at the front, which ensure sufficient deceleration on long descents and definitely also offer safety to heavy drivers. The wheels are made up of Formula DC hubs and DDM 2 rims with 32 spokes at the front and rear. The wheels are not the lightest, but they are stable and durable. The tires complete the good impression of the wheel combination: The well-known Schwalbe Racing Ralph is installed on the Bulls Copperhead 3 in the performance version with a width of 2,1 inches. An optimal tire for beginners, as it offers the right compromise between rolling resistance and grip and is also one of the lighter tires.
In addition to the parts already mentioned, Bulls uses many in-house attachments on the Copperhead 3. So does the fork. A Bulls Lytro air suspension fork with 34 mm stanchions was installed here. The fork can be locked using a very intuitive and ergonomic lever on the handlebars - the so-called remote lockout. The saddle and seat post, which are fixed with a quick-release clamp, also come from Bulls themselves. The saddle height can be adjusted at short notice if you are unsure about setting the right seat height or want to lower the saddle for a steep descent. The cockpit also comes from the company's own brand and is characterized by the 71 cm wide riser handlebars, which ensure an upright, comfortable seating position and more control. The grips were very comfortable on the test rides as they give the hands a lot of grip and control. All the parts and frames add up to a total of 12,8 kg, which - and here we are again with the price range - is extremely acceptable.
| frame | Aluminum 7005 triple butted, internal cable routing, smooth welding, tapered steerer |
| suspension fork | BULLS Lytro 34 Boost RL-R Air suspension fork |
| Suspension shocks | / |
| Wheels | Formula DC / DDM-2 |
| Tire VR | Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance |
| Tire HR | Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance |
| derailleur | Shimano XT |
| Gear levers | Shimano Deore SL-M6000 |
| Crank | Shimano FC-MT500-3 40/30/22 |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Deore FD-M6000E |
| Brake | Magura MT2 |
| Brake discs | Magura 180mm |
| Seat post | BULLS |
| Saddle | BULLS |
| Stem | BULLS |
| Links | BULLS |
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - On the Trail
Optics, equipment back and forth. In the end, it is the driving experience that counts. We were excited about the first test round with the Bulls Copperhead 3. Right from the start it was noticeable that we are talking about a very agile bike at this point. With the short wheelbase and the 27,5 inch wheels, the bike is very playful and manoeuvrable. The seating position is the same and is a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. The Schwalbe tires rolled very well on asphalt. The slightly heavy wheels spoil the bike's liveliness a bit, but once in the swing the Copperhead rolls very well. On the climbs, you sit very centrally over the bottom bracket due to the somewhat steep seat angle, which means that even steep ramps can be climbed lightly. The riser handlebar supports an upright sitting position, which makes the bike very easy to control, even on technical climbs. The tires provide sufficient grip for light gravel, forest and meadow paths in almost every situation. If it gets a bit muddy or wet, however, the tires easily reach their limits. You don't have to hide on a Bulls Copperhead 3 on the climbs - small weaknesses are at most due to the higher total weight, subtle cuts in the heavier wheels and the equipment details, which are unavoidable at this price level. Overall, the entire editorial team has a very good impression of the 999 euro Copperhead 3.
The Bulls Copperhead 3 doesn't have to hide in downhill either. In the test, it was really fun because it is very agile and manoeuvrable thanks to the 27,5-inch wheels and the compact geometry. At higher speeds this leads to a bit of unrest, but as a beginner it is easier to start with a more agile bike. The spring behavior of the fork was a bit too linear for our test riders and should be more progressive, whereby the function and ergonomics of the remote lockout was first-class and many other manufacturers are sloppy with these small details and offer significantly worse solutions. Small weaknesses, but the overall package, including the strong and easily controllable Magura MT2 brakes, also makes the Copperhead ready for downhills. A real consideration would be to use the 1,85er model of the Copperhead 29 from a certain height (over 3 m), especially since this is also available with the identical equipment for € 999. The big tires roll better over obstacles and give more security.
Bull's Copperhead 3 Review - Conclusion
We were really surprised that you get a lot of bikes for so little money. Of course, the bike has small weaknesses, but as a beginner you will be able to overlook them. We even recommend the bike to more ambitious riders as a training bike. It's really easy to stretch and you can have fun with it.
